Why do many of us

fear Friday the 13th Most references tell us that paraskevidekatriaphobia, a fear of Friday the 13th, is a modern phobia appearing in texts beginning with the 20th century. One estimate has it that $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do. Earlier references can be found. On Friday the 13th of Oct. 1066, King Harold II decided to go to battle against the Normans on Saturday Oct. 14, rather than allowing his troops a day of rest. The Saxons lost England at the Battle of Hastings and King Harold was killed. King Philip of France secretly ordered the mass arrest (and subsequent execution) of all the Knights Templar in France on Oct. 13, 1307 - Friday the 13th. Some blame the phobia on the combination of the number thirteen and Friday, both of which have historically bad reputations in many cultures. Judas was the thirteenth guest at the Last Supper and Christ was crucified on a Friday. In Rome, the thirteenth member of a gathering of witches was said to be the Devil. At a gathering of Norse gods, the 13th guest Loki, arranged for the murder of Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness. The earth became dark and the number has been consider ominous and foreboding in Norse culture ever since. Today, up to 80 percent of high-rise buildings omit a 13th floor.